16 Day North + South Islands

Description

With these tours we present some of our most popular and compelling self-drive itineraries. Experience the benefits of self driving but enjoy the convenience and security of us pre-booking your chosen type of accommodation and rental car. Just enjoy the travelling without having to worry about where you are going to stay.

Any of our itineraries can be modified as well as adding extra days in any of the locations. If you require something completely different, please advise and we will be happy to put something together.

During your trip you can call us anytime to make amendments to your tour, book extra activity or simply ask for some advice. We will be happy to help you anytime of the day or night.

Free after hours assistance for amendments or additional bookings with you assigned consultant.

15% Goods and Services Tax

Other Information

Duration

These tours depart daily. Please click on the “Prices and Dates” tab for accommodation and rental car options.

Departure

Daily departures / 365 days of the year

Tours can start and finish on any day of the week

Mix, match and join individual tours together to create a tailor made itinerary

Plan and Book Ahead Preplanning and pre-booking your New Zealand vacation before you depart is essential. Limited accommodation in certain areas during the high season could mean that a town’s accommodation can be booked out well in advance. Without pre-booking, you may find that the you pay a higher rate upon check-in or waste a lot of time travelling between accommodation providers trying to find a suitable option. We know the best places and with our discounted rates you are guaranteed of receiving well chosen accommodation options at the best possible price. Pre-planning will ensure you make the most of your valuable holiday time. Acrossnz is well-versed with all areas of New Zealand and is totally experienced at arranging well planned self drive itineraries. Feel free to ask the advice of Acrossnz when planning your self drive adventure to make sure you maximize your holiday experience.

Book early: New Zealand has very limited availability in the summer months and often books out well in advance. It is recommended to book early to avoid disappointment.

Create Your Own Self Drive Holiday Along with choosing one of our prearranged itineraries you can construct your own ‘a la carte’ holiday by booking the rental vehicle from this link and selecting your accommodation from our accommodation link. If you choose to book your accommodation through our link we will happily assist with knowledge on your accommodation choices or amendment your itinerary to ensure your holiday is just what you want.

Camper Vans & Motor Homes Perhaps you prefer to follow one of the itineraries we have created in a Motor Home? Just book the Motor Home with us and we will be happy to provide you for the full itinerary as well as assisting you with camping ground bookings. Click here to choose some of the cheapest options in NZ.

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest, busiest and most diverse city. Home to almost one third of the country’s population, and the business centre of the nation, it’s not surprising this vibrant metropolis is often mistaken for the country’s capital. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is magnificently framed by the stunning waterways, the Hauraki Gulf and Manukau Harbour. Easily highlights of the city, the harbour and marina are in walking distance of your accommodation. Distinct in its pace, opportunities and multi-cultural influences, Auckland offers many diverse events, attractions and experiences. Auckland is a popular arrival destination for starting your New Zealand holiday, a fantastic place for a city break or a perfect venue for an unforgettable surfing holiday.

Auckland, the “City of Sails”, lies on an extinct volcanic bed and is magnificently framed by geographic wonders – the stunning waterways of the Hauraki Gulf and Manukau Harbour and by native forests. From boats and boutiques, to surfing and socialising, Auckland is a marvellous multi-cultural city that offers so very many diverse events, attractions and experiences and is thus a great place for a city break.

DAY2

Rotorua

Travelling south on SH1, the buzz of the city gives way to the more bucolic sights and sounds of the country – farms, market gardens and rivers. There are many interests en route, both urban and rural, vineyards at Te Kauwhata, the historic battle site at Rangiriri, the coal-mining town (and museum) at Huntly and the thermal springs at Waingaro.

If time is plentiful and you’re looking for a diversion, there’s the beach at Raglan, known for its perfect surfing conditions, Maungatautari Ecological Island is 15kms from pretty Cambridge, the Mormon temple at Temple View is open to visitors. Taking SH5 at Tirau – known for its fascinating animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings and antique shops – the route travels through the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, over interesting volcanic terrain and leads to Rotorua.

Stay 2 nights in Rotoura

DAY3

Day in Rotorua

Famed for its geothermal activity, Rotorua is utterly unique – peer into an active volcano and watch the belly of the earth bubble and roar as it leeches sulphurous steam trying to find its way out through thermal pools and geysers. Steeped in Maori history and culture, and picturesque to boot, Rotorua offers a profusion of opportunities for the long or short-term visitor.

The thermal activity in Rotorua is fascinating – as is the local constant companion, the smell of sulphur! There are many geysers to view although the Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley at Te Puia is arguably Rotorua’s favourite geyser known for its 30 metre high steam spurts! Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is where the rich Maori history and culture of the region is detailed through song, dance and storytelling.

However there is more to Rotorua than hiss and steam. A visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing a few of the 16 magnificent lakes in this region – such as Lake Rotorua, Lake Tarawera or the beautiful Green (Rotokakahi) and Blue (Tikitapu) Lakes – perhaps even catch a trout for dinner? Popular water sports are kayaking, jet boating, water skiing, fishing (note that Green Lake is closed to public) and white water rafting (especially at the Kaituna River). Nearby Mount Tarawera is known for its devastating volcanic eruption of 1886 which, in destroying three whole villages, also buried The Pink and White Terraces, a geological phenomenon considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.

Activities

Geothermal Experiece | Te Puia

Te Puia allows you to explore the geothermal valley for yourself or with one of our friendly guides and is unlike anything you have experienced before.

Highlights include:

The World-Famous Pohutu Geyser

Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Kiwi House

National Schools of Carving and Weaving

Te Heketanga a Rangi (entrance)

Rotowhio Marae

Pikirangi Village

Powhiri performance

Taonga Gallery and Gift Shop

DAY4

Fly to Wellington

Catch an early morning flight to Wellington. The flight is around an hour, but driving will take you over 6 hours, so it is a great way to save time and hassle.

Whichever way you look, Wellington is sure to please. Vibrant and dynamic yet steeped in history, Wellington offers its visitors many diverse opportunities to explore the city’s political, cultural and creative heritage. Large enough to be the Capital City, small enough to be captivating, Wellington truly lives up to its slogan: “Absolutely Positively Wellington”.

Seat of the New Zealand Government, take a free guided tour around the halls of power (Parliament Buildings and the Beehive, named for its shape); or perhaps clarify your political thoughts over a drink at the Backbencher bar!

Occupying a stunning waterfront location is the National Museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, where state-of-the-art presentations and exhibits chronicle New Zealand’s art, history and Maori culture. For a different focus, there’s the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, Zealandia (Wildlife Centre) and even the Cricket Museum.

Despite being nick-named ‘windy Wellington’ due to its proximity to the Cook Strait, Wellington is a beautiful and compact city well worth walking around. Beach (Kapiti Coast), bush and mountain views (Kaikoura Ranges due south, Rimutaka Ranges due east), all compete with the glistening seafront and busy harbour for the visitors attention; whilst historic buildings (Old St Paul’s, Saint Mary of the Angels, Colonial Cottage, 1858, author Katherine Mansfield’s home), gardens (the Botanical Gardens, Otari Wilton’s bush) and further explorations await (Cable car, two Observatories).

Blending old-world charm of a European city with contemporary cosmopolitan ideas, Wellington offers Lambton Quay for quality shopping (showcasing some of New Zealand’s top designers), the Cuba Quarter for a taste of bohemia and Courtenay Place for the buzz of inner city entertainment, world-class performances, superlative dining, night-clubs, theatre, cinema and opera. Home to numerous national and international festivals, Wellington always has something for everyone. Absolutely Positive!

Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura

Cross Cook Strait by ferry, through the Marlborough Sounds and onto Picton. You would have dropped your car off at Wellington ferry terminal and you’ll collect your next vehicle in Picton terminal.

The road south hugs the coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Enter Kaikoura in the afternoon and you may take a Whale watch cruise this afternoon or tomorrow morning (if you prefer only driving through Kaikoura and staying tonight in Christchurch – this is possible)

Kaikoura - Christchurch

Heading north along SH1 towards to small coastal town of Kaikoura is a glorious trip, perfect for a day outing. This route follows the South Island’s east coast and there are many opportunities to pop into a beach en route: take in the sublime estuary and coastal views at Waikuku beach, the rugged atmospheric beach at Amberley or the cliffs and bay at the small holiday township, Gore Bay.

If it’s lunchtime then Waipara, sun soaked and grape-filled, has excellent wineries (with cafés and restaurants) just off the main road – and if it’s Sunday, look out for the Weka Pass Steam Train. The Hurunui river is significant to North Canterbury, yet it’s the incredible tandem views of mountains and sea – and the real possibility of spotting a whale – that herald your arrival into Kaikoura.

DAY7

Christchurch - Mount Cook

Leaving behind the plains of Canterbury; scenic route 72 heads inland offering gentle views of farmlands and shadows the foothills. Glentunnel is a reminder of New Zealand’s mining history and be impressed as the route crosses the magnificent Rakaia river. Geraldine is delightful small town with some unusual museums and the Mackenzie Country, vast and barren, is majestically scenic. However it is nearby Lake Tekapo (88 km; 1 and ¼ hours) with its tiny stone Church of the Good Shepherd and distant snow capped mountains that makes a magical stopping place. Heading around Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook is irresistibly close – please note that the last stretch of road off the main highway into Mount Cook village is partly gravel, an average of 50kms and 1 hour drive.

DAY8

Mount Cook - Dunedin

Heading away from Mount Cook National Park, SH8 leads you through the beautiful, bare Mackenzie country past Twizel, a popular Lord of the Rings filming location, and onto Omarama – small yet world renowned for its perfect gliding conditions. Taking SH83 towards Pukeuri Junction unveils some visual delights including the Benmore Dam and the Maori rock art at Duntroon. Southward bound on SH1 lies historic Oamaru, a beguiling small town famed for ‘Oamaru stone’ and home to the smallest penguin in the world. Next stop has to be Moreaki and the enormous boulders on the beach; and Karitane, a pretty coastal village with its cliff edge Māori pā, whilst ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin, lies just ahead. From Dunedin visit Otago Peninsula – home to the Royal Albatross, the yellow eyed penguin, NZ fur seal, and sea lions. We will make the reservation for the wildlife tour.

Activities

Elm Wildlife Tour | Dunedin

Departing daily from Dunedin city in the afternoon to visit the beautiful Otago Peninsula and its wildlife ‘hotspots’. The tour caters for small groups providing a glimpse into the world of tourism and conservation working in a symbiotic relationship for the benefit of the wildlife providing absolutely unrivalled viewing of estuarine and marine wildlife. Most days Albatross are seen flying at Taiaroa headland, with a greater opportunity from our conservation area strategic observation point to see many other pelagic sea bird species flying close, including numerous petrel and shearwater species, and up to five other Albatross species are regularly seen and identified.

DAY9

Dunedin - Te Anau

Heading south away from Dunedin on SH1 and joining the SH92 at Balclutha, this route, also known as the Southern Scenic route, simply sparkles! Known for its rugged and natural beauty, the Catlins Coast has a great many highlights from spotting penguins, seals, and dolphins frolicking in the sea; hearing the distinctive call of native birds; to historic lighthouses, superlative horizon views and the 180 million year old fossilized forest at Curio Bay.

Heading south away from Dunedin on SH1 and joining the SH92 at Balclutha, this route, also known as the Southern Scenic route, simply sparkles! Known for its rugged and natural beauty, the Catlins Coast has a great many highlights from spotting penguins, seals, and dolphins frolicking in the sea; hearing the distinctive call of native birds; to historic lighthouses, superlative horizon views and the 180 million year old fossilized forest at Curio Bay.

DAY10

Te Anau - Milford Sound

They say that life is about the journey not just the destination and where better to reflect upon this than on the magnificent Milford Road? One of New Zealand’s stunning scenic highways, the beauty of this route is utterly breath-taking and sure to wet your appetite for the unforgettable experience of visiting the Milford Sound.

Departing Te Anau and its glorious lake, the route takes you inland through beech forests and expansive flats before opening up to mountain vistas. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. Mirror Lakes provide a great resting spot and at Knobs Flat there is a small shelter with an information board and toilet facilities. The route climbs steadily towards ‘The Divide’, travels through the Homer Tunnel and leads you into the Cleddau Canyon ripe and ready for the Milford Sound experience – an amazing 22km-ling fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your day, or you can get up close and personal in a sea kayak. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces and seals are some of the things you’ll remember. The underwater observatory is an option with most cruises.Of note is that the Milford Road has no fuel stops/petrol stations and in places can be narrow and winding. We highly recommend to purchase the NZ$1 map of the Milford Road (from Te Anau info centre) for specific roads notes of the magnificent rivers, observation points, water falls and picnic areas to follow.

Even though the road is 120KM – DO allow yourself 4 hrs for the drive there.

DAY11

Te Anau - Queenstown

An impressive journey, both SH94/ SH6 and the gravel track (via Mavora Lakes) promise unparalleled scenery and endless photo opportunities. Make time to wave at the deer at Mossburn and at your own reflection in Lake Wakatipu before approaching the Remarkables mountains and entering Queenstown.

DAY12

Day in Queenstown

An adventure playground extraordinaire, Queenstown is both beautiful and bountiful: even the mountain range framing the town is called “The Remarkables”. Add to this Lake Wakatipu and lush forestation, its no wonder Hollywood film-makers frequently visit. Home to the first commercial bungy jumping enterprise, Queenstown is known for its many adrenaline-filled activities. Nearby Skipper’s Canyon and Arthur’s point commemorate the discovery of gold in the area.

A stunningly beautiful and compact town, walking around Queenstown from eatery to entertainment, from parties to performances is all too easy – and being the unofficial adrenaline capital of New Zealand, you might want to pace out your days! Mountain skiing is immensely popular at Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone; with cross country skiing at the Waiorau Snow Farm (near Cardrona). Other adventure possibilities include jet boating, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, skateboarding, tramping, paragliding, canyon-swinging, sky diving, river surfing and fly fishing! If a calmer pace suits you, Queenstown has a great shopping and commercial scene and there is an equally vibrant night-life.

Take in Queenstown’s incredible scenery over a leisurely lunch and a locally produced Pinot noir from, apparently, the world’s southernmost wine region! Bars are a-plenty, whilst there is a constant buzz of street (and indoor) entertainment and live music. Queenstown is home to the coal fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw; hosts an annual International Jazz Festival and a Winter Festival and also makes a great base for exploring the inland lakes (Lake Hawea, Lake Wakatipu, and Lake Wanaka).

DAY13

Queenstown - Glaciers

This route heads south on the rugged and sparsely populated West Coast Road (SH6) before turning inland through the scenic and historic Haast Pass. Mount Aspiring National Park beckons, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea vie for attention and Wanaka is simply beautiful. Your visit to Queenstown is imminent: SH6 for the cautious or through the Crown Range for the adventurous.

DAY14

Travel through to Punakaiki

Following the coastline north towards Punakaiki, SH6 is not only breath-takingly beautiful and utterly unique, it is also dotted with glorious lakes, beaches, lagoons and small interesting towns. Try glass-blowing at Hokitika, knife-making at Barrytown and gold-panning at Shantytown, the restored town from the gold-rush era, before arriving at the blowholes of Punakaiki.

DAY15

Punakaiki - Christchurch

Travelling north on SH6, this route first meanders along the coastline, turns inland and then links the notoriously wet West Coast with the dry plains of Canterbury via the dramatic and formidable Arthur’s Pass. A beautiful, satisfying yet long drive, this Pass effectively traverses mountain ranges and passes Otira Gorge, Arthur’s Pass village (with a DOC information centre), Cragieburn and Cave Stream before the gentle entry into Canterbury and Christchurch.

DAY16

Depart New Zealand

All good things (must) come to an end…. Drop your car off at Christchurch airport before your flight back home.

12 Seater Van

Please Note: The vehicles shown are examples. Specific makes/models within a car class may vary in availability and features such as passenger seating, luggage capacity, equipment and mileage.

NZ $5,352.00

NZ $7,002.00

NZ $6,552.00

NZ $9,552.00

Pricing DetailsPricing is based on 2 people. Option of Double Room (1 bed) or Twin Room (2 beds) For single travellers or larger groups vacationing together please contact us for a customized quation to ensure you receive the best price. For different rooming configurations (eg triple share or special needs) please contact us.

Children CostsChildren under 5 travel for free (max 2 excluding certain activities) Children aged 5-14 at time of travel are an added extra (max 2)

Dear Debs,
Here we are back home after a wonderful holiday. New Zealand is spectacular, we drove 3000k in all, the space and scenery took our breath away. Thanks for organising everything so well, it went like a dream. The accomodation was excellent, the Luxmore, Princes Gate (I upgraded) and especially Arcadia Lodge (where we were very spoilt, thoroughly recommend it), made the holiday enjoyable. Some special memories; Carol singers in Cathdral Square in Christchurch, Tekapu Lake scenery. On…